Wrapping Presents

I don't know about you guys, but other than cookies, wrapping presents is one of my favorite things about the holiday season.  I walked around the Bryant Park shops last week and picked up a small moisturizer for my husband's grandma.  I had bought some gift bags from the Container Store with the intent of filling them with spiced nuts (spiced nuts, recipe, and pictures to come shortly - I'm making them on Wednesday), but I thought it would be cute if I put her moisturizer in one too!  Check it out:

Speaking of home-made holiday gifts (my favorite kind), the Container Store and Real Simple Magazine teamed up this year (pretty much a life-long fantasy of mine) and posted gift ideas on their websites.  Real Simple provided the recipes, and the Container Store provided the container ideas.  I love all of them so I couldn't decide...I chose three.  1. Spiced Nuts (coming soon), 2. Infused Liquor/Olive Oil (also coming soon - being made on Wednesday alongside the Spiced Nuts), and 3. Hot Chocolates (see below!)

The recipe can be found at: http://www.containerstore.com/recipes/Cocoa.html

I doubled the recipe and made four containers; I have one extra but I figured it might come in handy at the last minute.  I also added mini marshmallows to the tops of the jars, which I think makes it look a bit more festive!

Here are the instructions that you should put inside the card if giving as a gift:

A quick sidenote: a lot of people will suggest homemade as a "cheaper alternative."  Don't be misguided - not only are homemade gifts more effort, they also do cost money (containers, ribbons, cards, etc.).  So make sure you do it for the fun! :)